Summer of the Monkeys
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| Summer of the Monkeys | |
 Newer version of cover. |
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| Author | Wilson Rawls |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | children's novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
| Publication date | 1976 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 283 |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-440-41580-2 |
| Preceded by | Where The Red Fern Grows |
| Followed by | One not created |
Summer of the Monkeys is a 1976 children's novel written by Wilson Rawls. The book was published by Doubleday (later released by Yearling Publishing) and was the winner of the William Allen White Book Award.
[edit] Film, tv or theatrical adaptations
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It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article entitled Summer of the Monkeys (film). (Discuss) |
The book was made into a direct-to-video movie in 1998 by Buena Vista Home Video (Disney) and starred Corey Sevier as Jay Berry Lee and Wilford Brimley as Grandpa. The movie takes place in rural Canada. A railcar at the Saskatchewan Railway Museum was used in the filming of the movie.
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This book is WONDERFUL!!! You have to read it!
[edit] About the book
Summer of the Monkeys takes place in the late 1890s. The main character is a boy named Jay Berry Lee, who in spite of his happy and idyllic life, wants a pony and a .22 rifle. By the end of the story, Jay discovers there is something more important to him than the things he wants.
Jay's family moves from Missouri to Oklahoma, which was known as "The Last Frontier". His family's move parallels the settlement of the state in the 1890s. Jay's sister Daisy needs an operation for her crippled leg, and the family is working hard to save money. Jay then discovers a troop of monkeys. Jay and his beloved dog Rowdy attempt to catch the monkeys, because Jay's grandfather tells him about a reward for catching monkeys alive. One hundred dollars is offered for a brilliant monkey named Jimbo and $2 for each little monkey. Repeatedly, under Jimbo's leadership, the monkeys outsmart Jay and put him in awkward positions, for example, they steal his belongings, get him drunk, etc.
Jay, his "Papa", and Grandpa are determined to catch the monkeys. Jay's mother and sister are less interested in this. Jay is often annoyed by them, but greatly enjoys his father's and Grandpa's company.
Finally, Jay's Grandpa grows impatient trying to catch the monkeys, and decides to take Jay to Tahlequah to go to the library and do research on how to catch them. They learn they can use coconuts and a trap cage, and they go to the general store for these. Jay meets an attractive girl who works there. She tries to flirt with him, but he is openly annoyed (he claims not to understand girls), and the girl giggles at him.
Meanwhile, Daisy finds a fairy ring which will grant wishes. She wishes for Jay to get his pony and rifle. Jay captures the monkeys and gives them back to their owner, who gives him $156. This is enough to buy his pony and rifle, or pay for Daisy's operation. In the end, Jay decides to use the money for Daisy's operation instead of buying the pony and rifle.
